C. Douglas Caffey

OLD AGE

The years are heavy
And the nights are long.
I’ve forgotten the tune,
But remember the song!

The pills are many,
And time marches on.
Aches and pains
Inhabit muscle and bone!

Equilibrium askance;
Hard to walk
Much less dance,
But still can talk!

Thank God for memory
That still belongs to me.
Though eyes are dim
I’m happy for what I see!

Taste is still there,
But much less hair
Than when I started
In Vanity Fair!

Try to get up
After you sit;
Call a tow truck,
To lift from the pit!

Make a list
Of things to do--
Then lose the list
Before I’m through!

Old age just
Ain’t much fun,
When Medicare calls
And I can’t run!

Social Insecurity
Leaves me cold;
Especially now
That I’m very old!

Yet I’ll move about,
Whisper or shout,
And, Praise God
I don’t have gout!

So what! I’m and old man,
Waver when I stand,
But when off my heels
I can balance on wheels!

Two wheels, that is
With motor and such,
Allows one to move about
And view very much!

Yes, the years add up
Since I was a pup;
And I’m dog-tired
From livin’ it up!

But I’m lookin’
‘Round the corner of time,
Listening for the trumpet,
And standing in line!

Open the gate wide
And usher me inside,
Throw away the pills;
Cured of all my ills!

No longer old;
No longer cold’
Perfect health,
Eternal wealth!

Thank God, I’m going home!